Amex Cobalt Card Canada Earn 5 Points Per $1 on Dining and Groceries

Why the Amex Cobalt Card is a top pick in Canada

The Amex Cobalt Card is one of the most popular reward cards in Canada for everyday spend, especially if you eat out or shop for groceries frequently. Canadians who want flexible travel rewards and strong category earning prefer the Amex Cobalt for its consistent value and customer service.

With a monthly fee structure that many find easier to swallow than a big annual charge, the Amex Cobalt Card suits people who track budgets month to month. The card’s reputation in Canada comes from real-world value: useful insurance, reliable app features, and straightforward points earning.

Earning 5 points per $1 on dining and groceries

The standout feature is clear: earn 5 points per $1 on eligible dining and grocery purchases in Canada. That high earn rate turns routine spending into meaningful rewards, so groceries and restaurant tabs build a nice balance of points fast.

Beyond dining and groceries, the Amex Cobalt Card also rewards transit, gas and travel categories, plus 1 point per $1 on other purchases, making it simple to concentrate spending where you get the most benefit. If you prioritise maximum points, using the Cobalt for meals and food shopping is a no-brainer.

Redeeming points and travel perks

Points from the Amex Cobalt Card are flexible: redeem for travel, statement credits, or transfer to airline and hotel partners. In Canada that flexibility helps you match redemptions to your travel plans or everyday wallet needs without being locked into one program.

Travel protections and perks add real value for frequent flyers and weekenders alike. The card includes travel medical and trip interruption coverage, plus perks through the American Express travel portal, all of which make points redemption more than a numbers game — it becomes travel planning that actually saves you money.

Fees, insurance and how to maximise value

The card charges a monthly fee (commonly $12.99) rather than a single annual fee, which spreads the cost and pairs well with steady use. Weigh that fee against the 5 points per $1 on dining and groceries: for many Canadian households, those points offset the fee quickly.

To get the most from the Amex Cobalt Card in Canada, use it for restaurant bills and grocery runs, meet any monthly bonus thresholds, and transfer or redeem points strategically for higher value. Also consider pairing it with a no-foreign-fee backup card when traveling abroad to avoid the 2.5% FX charge.